Pump-controlling device.



I. L. OSBORNE. PUMP c'owmoume DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED OCT-26,1915.

' Patented July 11, 1916.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

J. L. OSBORNE. PUMP CONTROLLING DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED OCT- 26, 1915.

Patented July 11, 1916. v

'2 SHEETS-SHEETZ- RECEIVER JI u I VALVE PILOT UNL mom JOHN L. OSBORNE,OF

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO JUDSON GOVERNOR COMPANY, OF ROCHESTER,NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

PUMP-CONTROLLING DEVICE.

Patented July 11, 1916.

Application filed October 26, 1915. Serial No. 58,022.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN L. OSBORNE, acitizen of the United States, and resident of Rochester, in the countyof Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Pump- Controlling. Devices, of which the following is aspecification.

This invention relates to controlling devices for pumps, and isparticularly applicable to pumps of the kind commonly known asair-compressors, although it includes novel features applicable tovacuumpumps or to pumps of other kinds.

In devices for controlling the operation of pumping-engines it is commonto employ speed-controlled means, usually of the wellknown centrifugaltype, and also means controlled by the pressure of the pumped fluid,these two means being arranged to operate, either conjointly orindependently, upon a governor-valve, so as to control the admission ofmotive fluid to the engine with regard both to limitation of its maximumspeed, and to an automatic reduction of the speed when the pressure ofthe pumped fluid approaches the predetermined point. It is also commonto combine, with the parts above described, automatic means forunloading or relieving the pump, holding its inlet-valves open or invarious other ways, upon the attainment of the predetermined pressure.

One object of the present invention is to coordinate in one system, theseveral means above referred to in such a manner as to secure a uniformand reliable regulation of the engine controlled by the governor,particularly with respect to the various speeds at which the engine isdesigned to operate under the various conditions of use. To this end Iemploy, in addition to the usual pressure-controlled means forcontrolling the engine-speed when the pressure is near but not at thepredetermined amount, an auxiliary pressure-controlled means, operableindependently of the main pressurecontrolled means and of thespeed-controlled means, to cause a final movement of the governor-valveto its closed position coincidently with the operation of unloading thepump. v

Another objectof the invention is vide, in the fullest possible manner,

to profor .ad-

either by justment of the several elements of the device in such amanner that the speed of operation of the engine under the Various conditions encountered may be predetermined with accuracy, and to this endI provide the adjusting-means associated with the several elements ofthe device in the manner vhereinafter described.

Other objects of the invention, and the features of construction bywhich the several objects are attained, will be set forth hereinafter inconnection with the descrip-" tion of the illustra ed embodiment of theinvention.

In the accompanying drawings:-Figure 1 is a side-elevation of theprincipal parts of a device, with the exception of the unloader,embodying the present invention,

with the centrifugal mechanism shown. 1n

vertical, axial section; Fig. 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2-2in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is .a partial front-elevation of the centrifugalmechanism; Fig. 4 is a partial front-elevation, partly in section,showing particularly the main pressure-controlled element of the device;Fig. partly in vertical section, showing the two pressure-controlledelements and the parts immediately associated with them; and Fig. 6 is aside-elevation, partly diagrammatic in character, showing a modifiedarrangement of the pressure-controlled elements of the device and theparts associated therewith.

The invention is illustratedas embodied in a controlling device adaptedparticularly to be used in an air-compressor, this device comprising acentrifugal speed-controlled element, main and auxiliarypressure-controlled elements, mechanism for connecting the elements justrecited with a throttlevalve or governor-valve, an unloader, and apilot-valve connected with the unloader and the auxiliary pressure:controlled element and adapted to control their operation conjointly.

The centrifugal mechanism of the illustrated device is shownparticularly in Figs. 1 and 3. It comprises two weights 10, which arerotatedv in a vertical plane by a connection with a horizontaldrive-shaft 11 journaled in a stationary sleeve. 12. The shaft carries,at its rear end, a pulley 13 by which it may be belted to the enginewhich is to be governed. A sleeve 14,

5 is a side-elevation,

xed t0 the forward end of the shaft 11, is provided with two radialguideways each comprising two parallel arms 15 between which the weights10 are embraced. Each weight is provided with a pair of guide-rollers 16which engage and move in slots 17 in the inner surfaces of the arms 15.the arrangement being such that the weight may move freely in a radialdirection and mayalso have a limited angular movement, while beingrestrainedagainst lateral or fore-andaft movement with respect to theguideway. The inner end of each weight 10 is bifurcated, and providedwith a pivot-pin 18 bywhich it is connected with one arm 19 of abell-crank lever. The levers are mounted on pivots 20 in brackets21projecting integrally from the sleeve 14, and the shorter arm of eachbell-crank lever has the form of a gear-segment, the two segmentsmeshing together so that the movements of the levers and of the weightsshall be always simultaneous and equal.

The centrifugal tendency of the weights is resisted by a centripetalspring 23, which is arranged coaxially with the shaft 11 and is partlyembraced within a recess therein. The forward end of the spring restsagainst a ball-race 24 constituting one part of a ball bearing, theother race 25 being engaged by lugs 26 integral with the arms 22. Whenthe weights 10 move outwardly they swing the bell-crank levers in adirection to press the spring 23 rearwardly against the ball bearing,and thus compress the spring 23, while the bearing permits this pressureto be transmitted without substantial friction, while the spring remainsfixed against rotation.

The rotating parts just described are all inclosed Within an oil-tightcasing 27, of which the rear portion is integral with the sleeve 12, asshown in Fig. 1, this casing being thus stationary. The inner end of thespring 23 rests against a collar 28 fixed on a rod 29, which projectsforwardly through the front of the casing and is screw-threaded forengagement with an adjusting-nut 30. A key and keyway connect the rod29, against rotation, with the casing, so that rotation of the nut 30causes a longitudinal movement of the rod, thus varying the degree ofcompression of the spring 23 for any given position of the weights 1O.In this manner the strength of the centripetal spring 23 may be variedat any time to change the normal speed of the centrifugal mechanism.

Vhile the construction of the centrifugal mechanism as illustrated andjust described involves various novel features, these features are notclaimed herein, as they are disclosed and claimed in an application forLettersPatent of the United States filed of even date herewith, and itwill be understood that, in so far as the present invention isconcerned, the particular form of centrifugal mechanism emploved isimmaterial.

In Letters Patent of the I nited States No. 963,803, granted to me July12, 1910, 1 have disclosed a combined governor and regulator forair-compressors in which the centrifugal mechanism is arranged to rotateabout a horizontal axis and is combined with safety-stop mechanism of apeculiar form, and with a governor-valve of a rotary form. In thepresent apparatus the same general arrangement is employed, and it maybe understood that the mechanism, in so far as it is not particularlyillustrated and described, maybe the same as that of my said patent.Accordingly, the action of the centrifugal mechanism is transmitted tothe governor-valve through the intermediation of a sleeve 35 whichembraces and slides longitudinally upon the sleeve 12 in which theshaftll is journaled. A collar 31 is arranged to slide loosely upon theexterior of the sleeve 14, and this collar 31 has integral extensions 32which bear against the rear surface of the ball-race 25. The rearextremity of the collar 31 engages a collar 33 which also slides on thesleeve 14, and this latter collar is provided with studs 34 which slideloosely through openings in the rear wall of the casing 27 and whichabut loosely against the forward end of the sleeve 35. As in my saidpatent, the bearing-sleeve 12 is supported by studs 30 mounted in a fork37 which is swiveled upon the upper end of a column 38, this columnrising from the top of the casing 39 in which the rotary governor-valve(not shown) is inclosed. The valve is provided with a stem 40 by whichit may be rotated. the upper end of the stem being fived to a shortshaft 41 which turns in a bearing 42 projecting from the column 38. allas in my said patent.

Fixed to the upper end of the shaft 41 is a lever having an arm 43 uponwhich is mounted a roller 44. This roller is in position to be engagedby a lug 45 which projects from the lower surface of the sleeve 35. Thelongitudinal movement of the sleeve produced by its connection with thecentrifugal mechanism, as above described, causes the lug to engage theroller and move it rearwardly, thus swinging the arm 43 and rocking theshaft 41 and the stem 40 in a direction to move the governor-valvetoward closed position. Since the connection between the centrifugalmechanism and the shaft 41 is merely force-closed, however, the shaft isalways free to be rotated by other means, in the same valve-closingdirection, beyond the range of influence 0f the centrifugal mechanism.

The opening movement of the governorvalve is produced by means of aspring 47, which is inclosed within a sleeve 46 integral with the arm43. This spring surrounds and acts against a stem 48 which slidesthrough the sleeve, the pointed end of the stem being seated in a socketin a lug 5O projecting from the bar 42. The spring 47 is-preferably madeof only such strength as is necessary to overcome thefrictionalresistance of the valve and its stem torotation, so that the valve isopened by it onlywheri there IS no tendency on the part of thecentrifugal mechanism or other elements of the governor to close thevalve.

In Letters Patent No. 1,136,607, granted to me April 20, 1915, I havedisclosed a governor for compressors which operates on the same generalprinciple as the governor of my Patent No. 963,803, but in which thepressure-controlled mechanism contains various improvements. The presentinvention is illustrated as provided with a pressurecontrolled element,resembling, in its general construction and arrangement, that disclosedin my Patent No. 1,136,607. As in said patent, a cylinder 51 fixed tothe frame of the governor is connected, by a pipe 52, with thecompressed-air receiver supplied by the compressor, and thereceiver-pressure is thus effective against a piston 53 which slidesloosely in the lower part of the cylinder. Upon a pivot-stud 51, at oneside of the cylinder, is mounted a bell-crank lever, having a horizontalarm 55 which engages the top of the piston, and a vertical arm 56 whichcotiperates with a lever 57 which turns upon a pivot-stud 58 at itsupper end. The studs 51 and 58. are mounted in a hollow bracket 60integral with the side of the cylinder.

The lower end of the lever 57 engages the end of an arm 61 integral withthe arm 43. When the piston 53 rises it rocks the levers in a directionto swing the arm 61 ina clockwise direction, so as to move thegovernorvalve toward closed position, against the slight opposition ofthe spring 47, the roller 44 at this time moving freely away from thelug 45 so that the valve may be acted upon by the pressure-controlledelement. while the governor is entirely independent of the action of thecentrifugal mechanism.

As in my said Patent No..1,136,607, the rising movement of the piston 53is opposed a counter-pressure spring. To this end the piston is providedwith bifurcated upward extensions62 which engage a disk 63, which isengaged, in turn, by the lower end of a plunger The counter-pressurespring 65 surrounds this plunger, and its force is adjustable by meansof. a sleeve 66 threaded into the upper end of the cylinder 51. In Fig.5 the plunger and the disk 63 are shown in their lowermost position,with the piston raised into engagement with the disk, but not subjectedto sufiicient pressure to raise the disk from its seat. In thisposigradual, owing claimed herein as tion of the parts the lever 57 hasno influence upon the arm 61, and it is out of engagement therewithexcept when the governor-valve is in its extreme open positioncorresponding with the innermost position of the governorweights, asshown in the drawings.

As the pressure of the pumped fluid in the receiver rises the piston 53is forced upwardly with increasing force, until it begins to overcomethe pressure of the spring 65, whereupon the piston rises from theposition of Fig. 5, compressing the spring and rocking the levers so asto swing the arm 61 and move the governor-valve toward closed position,as above described. This action'is to the slight increase in the forceof the counter-pressure-spring as it is compressed, so that thegovernor-valve is gradually closed, and the speed of the pumping-enginedecreases until a minimum speed isattained, when the reached itsuppermost position. In order that this position, and this minimum speedof the pump when running loaded, may

be adjusted, I employ a stop-screw 67 which is threaded into thecylinder-wall in position so that its lower end may be engaged by thetop of the piston 53, as shown in Fig. 1. When the piston engages thisstop it can no longer move upwardly, and therefore any further slightincrease in the receiver-pressure will not result in a further closureof the governor-valve through the action of the piston 53.

It will be noted that in the above depiston 53 has scribed arrangementeither the centrifugal mechanism or themain pressure-controlled elementof the governor may move the governor-valve toward closed positionindependently, according to the various conditions encountered in theoperation of the pump, so that there is noconjoint action of theseelements, nor any substantial automatic change in the normal speed ofthe governor. This general mode of operation is not novel, since it isidentical with that disclosed in United States'Letters Patent to J.Willis Gardner No. 638,412; but I claim as novel certain specificfeatures of the form and arrangement of the mechanism by which that modeof operation is adapted for use in a governor of-the presen design.

In my arrangement in Patent No. 1,136,607 I disclose an which the pistonof the pneumatic element of the compressor-govment in which a second orauxiliary element or motor is provided, for the purpose of moving thegovernor-valve toward closed position coincidently with the operation ofan unloader. In the preferred form of the invention this auxiliarypressure-controlled element is not subject directly to thereceiver-pressure at all times, but an automatic relief-valve orpilot-valve is employed to introduce simultaneously to the auxiliarypressurecontrolled member and the unloader, upon the attainment of thepredetermined. pressure.

The auxiliary pressure-controlled member comprises a cylinder 68 whichis shown, in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, as located alongside the cylinder51. lVithin the cylinder 68 a piston 69 slides vertically, and thelever-arm 55 is extended through an opening in the side of-the cylinder51, so that its end 70 lies above the upper end of the piston 69. Theadmission of compressed air to the cylinder 68 is controlled by anautomatic pilot-valve 71, which communicates with the lower part of thecylinder 51 through a nipple 72, and which is adapted, when thepredetermined pressure is attained, to discharge air through a port 73into the cylinder 68. I have not illustrated or described theconstruction of the pilot-valve, as such devices are well known, and inthe present case the valve may beosimilar, for example, to thatdisclosed in U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,141,975, granted to me June 8,1915. At the same time that the pilot-valve admits air to the cylinder68 it also discharges air through a pipe 173, which may be connectedwith a relief-device or unloader of any ordinary or suitable form on thecompressor. The result of this operation of the pilot-valve is tosimultaneously unload the compressor and-move the governor-valve towardclosed position. this latter operation being performed by the action ofthe piston 69 on the lever and the other parts connecting this leverwith the governor-valve. This movement of the valve occurs independentlyof both the centrifugal mechanism and the main pressure-controlledelement of the governor, since the lever-arm 55 is free to move awayfrom engagement with the piston 53, which has been arrested in' itsuppermost position by the stop-screw 67, while the roller 44 on the arm43 is equally free to move away from the stop 45, and will have done.so, in fact, previous to the operation of the auxiliarypressure-controlled element.

It is desirable that the position of the governor-valve, whenthe pump isrunning unloaded, be adjustable in order to adjust the minimum speed ofthe compressor at this time. For this purpose I employ a stopscrew 74threaded into the bracket 60 in posicompressed air or pumped fluid tionto engage a shoulder 75 on the lever 57, as shown particularly in Fig.In this manner the movement of the lever 57, under the influence of thepiston 69, is limited, and since this movement occurs entirely beyondthe range of movement imparted to the lever 57 by the piston 53, theaction of the stop 74 is determined entirely independently of the actionof the stop-screw 67.

While I have shown and above described the auxiliary pressure-controlledelement as arranged to act upon the same lever-arm as the piston 53, andthe pilot-valve as immediately associated with the elements of thegovernor and arranged to receive compressed fluid from the cylinder 51,this arrangement is not essential to the mode of operation of thedevice, but is adopted only for convenience in construction. Analternative arrangement is shown in Fig. 6. In this arrangement thereceiver 78, the pilot-valve 79 and the unloader 83 are showndiagrammatically. The pilot-valve is located at any convenient point andis connected directly with the receiver by a pipe 80. The discharge fromthepilot-valve flows through branch-pipes 81 and 82, the first of thesepipes being connected with the cylinder 76 of the auxiliarypressure-controlled element, and in this case this cylinder is fixed inhori zontal position to the side of the cylinder 51, so that the piston77 may coiiperate directly with the arm 61, this arm being extended inlength sufficiently for the purpose. The unloader 83 is shown as of awell known type adapted to hold open the inlet-valves of the compressor,such an arrangement bein shown, for example, in the patent to Hill, No.844,801.

The adjustable stop, to determine the position of the governor-"alvewhen the compressor is running unloaded, may be associated directly withthe auxiliary pressurecontrolled element, as shown in Fig. 6. For thispurpose the piston 77 is provided with a lug 84, and the cylinder 76with a lug 85. A stop-screw 86, threaded into the lug 85, passes looselythrough a perforation in the lug 84, and is provided with a head 87which engages and arrests the lug 84 in a position determined by theadjustment of the screw.

The arrangement in which the pilot-valve or pressure-controlled memberactssimultaneously to throw into operation an unloader, and to move thegovernor-valve toward closed position, is not claimed as broadly novelherein, since it is disclosed in U. S. patent, to George R.Cullingworth, No. 827,104, but it is novel, so far as I am aware,

' to combine this arrangement ith a governor having also apressure-controlled element for operating thegovernor-valve, this secondor main pressure-controlled element being arranged to act upon the valveat a lower pressure than that to which the auxiliary pressure-controlledelement is responsive.

The operation of the controlling device as a whole is as follows: \Vhenthe pressure in the receiver is low the pistons 53 and 69 are in theirlowermost positions, and the governor valve is solely under theinfluence of'the centrifugal mechanism, which is set to operate thepump-engine at a high speed so as to build up the receiver-pressurequickly. At this time the lug &5 is in engagement with the roller 44,thus acting to close the. governor-valve whenever the engine tends toattain an unduly high speed. predetermined receiver-pressln'e isattained the piston 53 rises, and thus, through the arm 61, acts to movethe governor-valve toward closed position, out of the range ofinfluence. of the centrifugal mechanism, so that the speed of the engineis thereby reduced and is thereafter under the control of the mainpressure-controlled element alone. In this manner, as the ressurecontinues to rise, the valve is gra ually closed until the engine hasattained the minimum speed determined by' the stop-screw 67. If theconsumption of the compressed fluid is not suflicient to utilize thatwhich the pump is now supplying the pressure continues to rise, and uponthe attainment of the predetermined maximum the pilot-valve admitscompressed air to the auxiliary pressurecontrolled element and to theunloader simultaneously, whereupon the'pump is unloaded and at the sametime the governor-valve is turned to its ultimate position, asdetermined by the stop-screw 74, thus allowing the pump to run unloadedat the speed determined by the adjustment of the stop. When the pressurefalls again the abovedescribed operations take place in their re verseorder.

My invention is not limited to the embodiment thereof hereinbeforedescribed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but may beembodied in various other forms within the nature of the invention as itis defined in the following claims.

1. A pump-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmember; a pressure-controlled element cooperating with said member andarranged to move it in a direction to close the valve as the pressurerises; and a second pressure-controlled element also cooperating withsaid member and adapted to move it toward closed position, independentlyof the first pressure-controlled element, upon the attainment of apredetermined maximum pressure.

2. A pump-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmember; two pressure-controlled elements independently operable uponsaid member to move 1t m a WVhen the direction to close the valve; andmeans for adjusting, independently of each other, the effective rangesof action of the respective pressure-controlled elements.

3. A pinup-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmember; two pressiIre-controlled elements independently operable uponsaidauember to move it in a direction to close the valve; and means foradjusting, independently of each other, the pressures to which therespective pressureco'ntrolled elements are responsive.

4. A pump-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmechanism; two pressure-controlled elements operable independently uponsaid mechanism to move it'in a direction to close the valve; adjustablemeans for limiting said movement of the valve-actuating mechanism; andadjustable means for limiting the movement of one of thepressure-controlled elements.

5. A pinup-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmember; a pressure-controlled. element operable upon said member to moveit in a direction to close the valve; a second pressure-controlledelement operable in the same manner on the valve-actuating member; anunloader; and a pivot-valve controlling simultaneously the admission ofpressure to the second pressure-controlled element and the unloader.

6. A pump-controlling device having, in

combination, a pressure-controlled element adapted to move agovernor-valve toward closed position in consequence of a rise inpressure of the pumped fluid; and means, independent of saidpressure-controlled element, for simultaneously unloading the pump andmoving the valve farther toward closed'position upon the attainment of apredetermined pressure in the pumped fluid.

7. A pump-controlling device having, in combination. a valve-actuatingmember; speed-controlled means, a'main pressurecontrolled element and anauxiliary pressure-controlled element, all operable independently onsaid member to move it in the same direction; and an unloader operableconjointly with the auxiliary pressure-eontrolled element.

8. A pump-controlling device having, in combination, a valve-actuatingmember;

speed-controlled means operable on saidv member; a pressure-controlledelement also operable on said member; an unloader; and a pilot-valveconnected with said pressurecontrolled element and the unloadenandadapted to throwthem simultaneously into operation upon the attainmentof a predetermined pressure in the pumped fluid. I

9. A pump-controlling device having, in combination, a rotary valve,provided with a spring adapted to open the valve. and a valve-actuatingmember by means of which it may be closed against the action of thespring; centrifugal'mechanism adapted to act upon said valve-actuatingmember to move the valve toward closed position, in opposition to thespring; and pressure-actuated mechanism adapted to act upon saidvalve-actuating member, independently of the action of the centrifugalmechanism, to close the valve in opposition to the spring.

10. A pump-controlling device having, ,in combination, a rotary valve,provided with a spring adapted to open the valve and arms whereby it maybe closed against the action of the spring; centrifugal mechanism; a

sleeve having connection with the centrifi whereby it is caused to oneof said closed posimechanism arm, indecentrifugal opposition ugal,mechanism move longitudinally to engage arms and move the valve towardtion; and pressure-actuated adapted to act upon said other pendently ofthe action of the mechanism, to close the valve in to the spring.

JOHN L. USBORNE.

